Caylee/Casey Anthony Case: Funding For The Defense Hearing Today
While the web and blogosphere is clogged with the latest scandal to feature Tot Pop George Anthony and his nature walks of rivers and skies-
I would like to refocus efforts on a more pressing matter; the hearing on behalf of Casey Anthony regarding the indingency petition that has recently been approved through Orange County Clerk of Courts.
J to da A to da C
Justice Administrative Commission. The organization that is funded by Florida tax dollars has the biggest dog in this fight. While they do not pay for private attorney fees, they do cover investigative, administrative, travel, and expert witness costs for the defense. It is not unheard of for the JAC to fund such expenses for a murder trial, but I could not find a single comparable case where a defendant plays the indigent card 18 months into a case where they have received outside funds directly.
Note: this is an ammended petition, meaning the first petition which was filed the day of her arrest July 17th, 2008 where she stated she had an income of $1400 per month, $600 per month in expenses and $1200 in savings, is up for grabs.
My suggested aptly framed inquiry:
Miss Anthony– were you aware when you filled out your application for a handout that stealing cash from your Mother, embezzeling from the hospitalized-ederly and scamming cash from friends is not actually considered earning capacity or earned income?
NO WAY JOSE
Are you like me?
Are we all thinking that Judge Strickland has done a fantastic job in this case so far?
Yes, he bends over backward and has endless patience for Mr. Baez et al and on occasion I grind my molars while remembering it is essential to avoid appellate issues.
I would like to implore him to stay that course. There is tremendous pressure on him to progress the due process of this case.
That said, I do NOT think the burden of this trial, and undoubtedly the second trial should be paid for by the good citizens of Florida while the defense team jets the globe on book tours or Geraldo.
NO OTHER COMPENSATION OR THINGS OF VALUE HAVE BEEN PAID OR ARE ANTICIPATED TO BE PAID TO THE ATTORNEY IN THE FUTURE IN THIS CASE
According to Ms. Anthony, she was able to work her three hots and a cot fund to eek out enough cash to pay a combined $110,000 to Baez and Lyon.
Yes folks, the girl who has not been employed since 2006 has developed a penchant for earning a living.
EXCEPT:
You have got to be half crikey to believe this girl has only paid out $110K in fees. If that is accurate, then someone else is bankrolling an accused baby murderer and that will need to be disclosed. Mr. Baez got “by” by allegedly disclosing the source of his fee payments during the in camera portion of the States Motion regarding a potential conflict of interest on his behalf last March.
Since then, one of Casey’s lawyers, Todd Macaluso, who had a seperate retainer agreement with her according to his own pro hac vice, has had to leave the team due to his issues of comingling client trust accounts.
Jose Baez is now asking for help with “costs” from the State.
I say, if you want the state to pay you, you need to disclose the amount of cash BOTH you and your client received from ALL sources of income, a review of your Quicken outlining specific expense allocations and billable hours and then answers to the following:
If Casey, through affidavit, is stating she paid only two lawyers, in total, on this case in the last 18 months, how were the following legal resources outside of The Baez Law Firm compensated for their work to date?
Terrence Lenemon
“I would venture to believe that they are going to require Jose to disclose what monies he’s received because that becomes an issue at hand,” Lenamon said.
“[Baez's] got a responsibility going into this case of making sure that he maximizes his money that’s being spent. If he didn’t do that, then the judge is going to hold him accountable to that.”
Mike Walsh
Michael Walsh, one of Anthony’s attorneys, told FOX News on Tuesday that she initially had not been forthcoming with the timeline of Caylee’s disappearance because the babysitter had made threats and Anthony feared for her daughter’s safety.
Jonathan Kasen
KASEN: We had filed a motion probably two months ago, a motion to either stay or defer the civil matter until the resolution of the criminal case. Judge Gonzalez, for whatever the reason, or it should be Judge Rodriguez I apologize — for whatever the reason denied the request and allowed the lawyers for Zenaida Gonzales to submit written questions in lieu of a deposition.
Linda Kenney Baden
“The person who seemed to be so guilty — it turns out he was innocent,” Linda Kenney Baden told NBC News in a report that aired Friday on TODAY.
Todd Macaluso
“There is substantial evidence … that the body or the remains of Caylee Anthony were placed there after Casey Anthony was locked up in the Orange County correctional facility. … And that proves her innocence.”
Dr. Henry Lee
LEE: Not right now. My initial agreement was just to examine the car, to look at the car. So I don`t know any other evidence. And of course, a lot depends on the schedule and — to look at the hair or not. And I`m sure if it`s important — Larry — Dr. Kobilinsky is another excellent forensic scientist. I`m sure he can look at the hair, too.< ?xml:namespace prefix ="" o />
Dr. Lawrence Kobilinski
Let`s go to Dr. Lawrence Kobilinsky, famed forensic scientist out of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He is a consultant on the Casey Anthony defense team. You heard what Lee had to say about Oak Ridge Laboratories, the Body Farm. Do you agree or disagree?
Dr. Kathy Reichs
“Given that there’s no evidence as to the cause of death, … you could have an accidental death and a mother that panics,” she told King. “There are alternative explanations.”
Marti Mackenzie
“I am happy I could be of help in the months I worked as the media representative,” she said. “The most important thing is that we made a clean transition so that the coverage on this will have a point person on the defense team.”
On a lighter note, You will be glad to know The BAEZ LAW FIRM cut Casey a break on the fraud charge by not biling her. Although, that makes no sense in itself because Mr. Baez paid $664.25 full restitution on Casey’s behalf via money order to Bank of America on July 15, 2009.. From what account?
Watch Hearing at 11 AM EST here
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And let’s not forget the early Baez with Cheney at his hip, in early media ventures for Casey. Blink, may I suggest please, a tag link to Cheney Mason on the left, and also, since it’s now SOOOOO relevant, a link to the media video of Cheney discussing the attorneys and fees in this case, his statements that some attorneys work for nothing to get a case, I think he said he doesn’t work that way, and his statements on video of his expected retainer as he would not take a case like this without really really big bucks.
Do I see JW in there behind the prosecution, far back right by the doors. George and Cindy are closely postured to the defense side now, not off to the side as before, but smack behind the main table.
10 thousand to Marti McKenzie,
275 grand last year, 5000 from a ‘donor’ who wanted to help Casey (same amount as River says she gave Casey’s father), 70 thousand ‘gift’ from Todd Macaluso (does that include his costs of airplane fuel and pilot/co-pilot, flight costs/fees, becuase that’s different than his lawyering work).
Wheels churned in Judge Strickland’s head upon hearing the Todd Mac ‘gift’.
I bet Todd Mac’s 70 grand contribution would include his costs, as that was a lot.
He is being sued in civil court for $6Million. They oughta love that he has $70Geeze to give to an accused murderer.
B
Ok, here’s what Cheney Mason said last year, January 2009, as quoted by the news anchor on CFnews13– she said “Mason said he would not consider taking this case unless he got ONE MILLION DOLLARS UP FRONT”. (right at the end of the video for this comment).
Some lawyers take a case like this simply for free publicity because they think this will have people knocking down their doors…. Cheney Mason said.
(what’s changed in a year? We know that some lawyers on the team have books out– this can only help them sell more copies and increase their profile and interview status because of the Casey relationship)
(link to “VIDEO” “Who’s Getting Paid?” at: http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/1/22/new_motion_hearing_scheduled_in_casey_anthony_case.html)
Blink said– “He is being sued in civil court for $6Million. They oughta love that he has $70Geeze to give to an accused murderer.
B”
…… and don’t forget all the free GAS that came with!!!!
This defense team seems to ooze sleaze! Must be free “adverising” for these attorney’s workin for nuthin!
[...] Read the rest at Blink on Crime: Share This [...]
WOW! Now wonder people become lawyers. Do they actually take classes in “HOW TO BE BULLSHI* ARTISITS”? Or maybe HOW TO CREATE SMOKE and MIRRORS? just asking……
I’m not especially liking that new attorney. This guy is a 1st class jacka**.
Sorry. But, wow.
Damn. That was a HOT MESS.
B
I just saw Cheney Mason interviewed on “In Session” as I missed the court appearance. He stated that he was “officially on the case as of 11:00 am this morning”. He went on to explain that “It’s been in the works for a couple of days”. He also said he decided to get on this case after discussing it with his wife and it was considered a real honor.
What I can’t figure out is why our Honorable Judge Stickland doesn’t even show any dismay at the defense team continously coming in UNPREPARED.
Especially today. The ENTIRE point of the trial was to discuss WHERE the funds she HAD went, what’s left – and why she needs more if it’s all gone.
So far, best as I can tell – there is only about 110,000 being reported as used by Baez and Lyon. That leaves about $165,000 unaccounted for??? And no detailed explanation by the defense.
Although I shouldn’t be surprised by this, I am. And, speechless. And, disgusted by all of it.
I comment seldom, but read often. I just have to comment on Cheney Mason. He has to be one of the most arrogant men in Orlando….maybe all of FL. When the judge made a comment and then added that Mr. Ashton laughed, he retorted, “I don’t care what fools [do]…” Unbelievable arrogance!
Props to Boz for the heads up and for not lettin scam on your woman at Tar Jay.
B
And, whatever those letters are that Casey wrote?
Can we say….OOOPS?!?!?!
They must contain some pretty juicy info. Although…not a confession…it must be pretty darn close.
We’ll never see those letters before trial. No way – no how.
Blink: HELP!!! Can’t someone make the JAC DO THE MATH???? If Bzea got at least $205,000. from ABC plus a donor (RIver Cruz through GA??) – then that’s a total of $205,000. If all Baez and Lyon were paid adds up to $111,500. Then all the money CAN’T BE GONE ….Where’s the remaining $93,500.?? She is not indigent until that money is spent. Plus – I think that there has been considerably more that has been hawked on Casey’s behalf. Is there no recourse to do further checking? What about People magazine and National Enquirer – they’ve all had spreads on this case – with loads of pictures… Blink – please – Am I missing something??
Oh…and I’m guessing Mr. Mason’s appearance will give way to Ms. Lyon’s departure.
Note how CM put Ms. Andrea in her place as she took the ‘stand’ (literally) and he asked her to state her name and spell ALL. Andrea complied, spelling her first name then her last name “L-Y-O-N”. To which Cheney questioned Ms. Lyon pronounced LYONS. Not once, but repeatedly.
Casey was happy, rubbing her hands together in anticipation, holding back a huge smile with clenched lips. She has reason to be very happy.
How can any accused get a similar team together when they are indigent when they murder their baby? Casey is special, she’s playing this so well, if she was a non-white, overweight, less than pretty mother, she’d not get these media lawyers on her team for free, or for anything else.
Coincidence that someone gave the defense 5 grand and this week, news spreads of 5 grand given to George? Hinky… smells worse than the swamp.
http://www.wesh.com/video/22877048/index.html
is it me or is this as painful as watching some play at a local small town theater…I am certain Ms. Lyons is going to start danicing and singing in a few minutes…that was dreadful
are her lines written on the ceiling? what is she looking at?
Blink et al, wftv Bill Sheaffer is saying that bringing in top-gun
Cheney Mason is a “game changer” for the defense and the most “significant thing since the discovery of Caylee’s body”
Im terrified! Blink – what do you think????
I believe it is as well.
He is the best chance there is at a plea, imo.
B
Quoting OS article:
‘Mason said he is working pro bono and thinks trying the case will be “fun.” ‘
Unquote
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/os-casey-anthony-hearing-expenses-20100318,0,2075175.story?page=5
I’m on a posting frenzy…lol. My last one for now…lol.
Re: Lyons/Mason. I’ll bet Lyon’s leaves now…all under the premise of saving “the taxpayers money.”
Sure. Uh-huh. Right.
NOT!
My first impression of Mason — your down-home country boy who’s getting old and can’t hear very well routine does not work for me. I hope a jury can see through this guy’s facade. And what’s with the jokes? This is a murder investigation that, in my opinion, he didn’t seem to be taking too seriously.
I can’t remember specifics, but there were a couple of times this morning that he seemed to be patronizing the judge… actually telling the judge what was good evidence or not. I’ll have to go back and watch it again.
I was also very shocked to hear Jose say that he doesn’t keep track of the hours he works on this case. I have never known a lawyer who doesn’t keep detailed records of everything he does for a client — pretty much down to the minute.
IT IS ILLEGAL NOT TO DO SO. What a Maroon.
B
http://www.wftv.com/video/22876686/index.html
do the smirks and chuckles coming from CA bother anyone other than me? seems to me if you are in court over the murder of your baby regardless of the going ons around you smirking and laughing rolling your eyes would be the last thing you would be doing…
HOT MESS indeed! So many thoughts, so much frustration….
What did the defense do with the $275,000 (minus $89K for Bozo minus $23K for Lying minus $10K for latest PR Marti)= $150,000?!?!?!?! This doesn’t include the charity monies Lying procured for Ms. Casey (are you kidding me?!).
Is it too much to ask that they at least get an admonishment from Strickland regarding this lack of detailed info at the indigent hearing today??? I’d like to apologize in advance for upsetting anyone that thinks Strickland is just soooo fair and all (yes, I do like and respect him) but IMO I hope he gets control of the courtroom especially since buffoon Mason is on board.
Speaking of Mason, does he act that haughty, arrogant and obnoxious in front of juries?!
Do I really believe that there are no future book, movie, etc. deals “in the works”? Absolutely not….but I feel sure they have covered their aZZ by ensuring there is no paper trail at this time. I am SURE they all know with a certainty the offers will be forthcoming the minute the trail is over.
One thing I have learned from all of this… if you are a malignant narcissistic murdering sociopath loser, and you want to kill your sweet little two year old girl…well just make sure you come up with an outrageous “story” and throw in a equally outrageous, offensive and obstructing lying mom and dad (in order to get massive amounts of media coverage) and you can then pay for your Badens, Lees, Masons, Lyons, etc. and who knows how many experts, investigators, entire law school classes, sleezy PR people…Then when that $$ is gone, use the hell out of the good taxpayers of Florida.
I am truly insulted.
Did anyon notice that Cindy was not leaning all over George like she usually is. Most of the shots of her she was turned away in the other direction. Anyone notice?
Kleat @ 1:45: “How can any accused get a similar team together when they are indigent when they murder their baby? Casey is special, she’s playing this so well, if she was a non-white, overweight, less than pretty mother, she’d not get these media lawyers on her team for free, or for anything else.”
—————————
I applaud you my friend. Well said and politically correct. Does anyone remember the black lady at the beginning of this drama that actually confronted the Anthonys at their house and told them the same thing. It was a lady, a male and a little girl.
Dee @ 1:47 – LMBO! Oh the dramatics. She deserves a razzie for such bad acting. What is that award called? Sandra Bullock just got one (not the Oscar). The whole defense deserves one and especially Casey Anthony with trying to look all innocent with her BUG eyes. She makes me physically ill at my stomach.
Chicago Judy @ 2:03 – It’s truly sickening that they are joking and laughing. Casey actually laughed outloud when Cheney made the hearing aid and new batteries. WTH is so freeaking funny? She is apparently so dumb she will never comprehend the seriousness of her situation. Well maybe when they strap her to the gurney and stick the needle in, but I have my doubts.
Thank heavens Blink you said Cheney was the defense’s best hope for a plea and not an innocent verdict! Im still worried, he is such
an arrogant guy – when he asked the judge “you believe me dont you” I
couldnt believe my ears – ah, yeah, sure we believe you even though you are defending this woman – why, shucks, you are so believable
that if you say she isnt guilty, we are foregoing a trial and she can just go right home with Mommy and Daddy! That statement reeks of arrogance and no humility on his part -
http://www.razzies.com
Called the Raspberry Award, should be the Tomato in the Face Award…
blink please give me permission to just unleash just once please oh oh please
er.. No.
You think it it would be any worse than that cluster from this am?
B
Soooooooooooooo….Jose is the one who would REALLY benefit from the indigent status. Casey could also get a public defendant to replace Jose, which would mean no moola. Is that the sentiment here?
…I mean no moooooola for Jose. He’s the one panicking????
Ok, I’m dumbfounded. The defense made the motion for this morning to declare Casey indigent. They have had weeks to prepare, and yet they don’t have any “figures’ or “statements” of the monies earned or spent, just a “guess” how is this allowed?
Casey has a new grandpa!!!,,, How in the he77 is it that I would have to buy/pay for an attorney if I were in need of one, and this liar pants has them knocking on the bars in the jail house. Casey chains were MUSIC to my ears!
Yes, dee the smirks and chuckles from Casey bother me to to end. Maybe the defense can find someone, PRO BONO to be in the courtroom to smack her in the face every time she chuckles and smirks.
I’ll tell ya, if I was accused of something I did not do, as heinous as killing my own daughter I sure wouldn’t be sitting in court smiling. I’d be awfully p’d off.
yes I also noticed the body language between Cindy and George… George was acting normal but Sindy spent most of her time when she was able to ..to turn around and talk to lady behind her … she sat turned away from george and there was no ” i love you” mouthed this time to him..lol!
Yes.. a attorney ( todd M ) does not give $$$$ 70000 to his client.. the client pays the attorney ! I think this was $ she paid him but they didnt want it claimed as such so he gave it back saying it was a donation… ha !
oh Miss Casey loves this ! she loves having the camera on her…always has… that was when she use to strut her stuff and swing her hips but cant do that now with leg chains on … makes me sick to the stomach to watch her rub her hands in anticipation and smile ..
When she first retained Baez she told him she had money in a savings account she would give him as a retainer… either $5000 or $10000 I figure which and Baez soon found out that was also a lie… It is impossible for her to tell the truth about anything…. Where in the world did she get those $$$ figures in the income paperwork above that she submitted to the court when she turned down a free lawyer?? Like you said she must have figured out how much she racks in each month on a average from her mothers credit cards, wallet…friends purses and checking accounts… her daughter Caylee’s piggy bank… her grandmothers purse …etc etc…
apparently River says George told her he thought Casey might have a cocaine problem because of all the $$$ she was stealing …..
The smirk on Casey’s face and Cindy’s face make me sick.
Yes, Cindy’s body language said so much today. She had her back to him most of the time. She barely would look him in the eye. I think Georgie really screwed up this time and Cindy’s not a happy camper.
If you haven’t already seen it, you should watch the interview with Mason. It’s pretty awful. According to him, Casey will be acquitted, they will walk out of the courtroom with her at the end of the trial, he took this case because it’s going to be “fun”, the JAC should be abolished. All of this being said while JB, AL and LKB stood behind him snickering at his comments, nodding in agreement. Like syncophants behind the great attorney — Cheney Mason, Esq. I’m disgusted. But at least it was a good morning for the good guys — IMO.
Plea maybe, but that’s not the word today– ‘We will walk out of here with Casey in arm… stand by.” quote Cheney Mason on wftv video of the after-court presser.
PS….how is the indigent Casey/Jose gonna pay Cheney Mason?
Never mind….Cheney Mason is defending at no cost. WHY? Why would Mason step in with nothing to gain?
The duhfense act like giddy school girls. WTF? Henry Lee will take a case of oranges as payment as a specialist on this case. What they really need is to take a real big whiff of the trunk of Casey Anthony’s car and then have someone ask them if they would like a slice of pizza.
LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE!
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/03/casey-anthony-abc-news-says-it-licensed-library-of-photos-through-attorney.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+entertainment%2Ftv%2Ftvguy+%28TV+Guy%29
Casey Anthony: ABC News says it licensed ‘library of photos’ through attorney
ABC, Caylee and Casey Anthony, Jose Baez, WFTV — posted by halboedeker on March, 18 2010 1:46 PM
Discuss This: Comments(11) | Add to del.icio.us | Digg it
What did ABC News have to say about Jose Baez’s revelation that the network had paid $200,000 to his client Casey Anthony?
ABC News issued this statement: “In August 2008, we licensed exclusive rights to an extensive library of photos and home videos for use by our broadcast platforms, affiliates and international partners. No use of the material was tied to any interview.”
ABC affiliate WFTV-Channel 9 has used the footage of slain toddler Caylee Anthony repeatedly. WFTV also has noted that it reported the $200,000 figure first, but it had the inside knowledge as an ABC affiliate.
In court today, Baez revealed that “$200,000 came from a deal that was done by my client with the American Broadcasting Co. ABC.”
A prosecutor asked: “ABC News?”
Baez said: “Yes.”
That money has been paid, and there is no deal for future money from ABC, Baez said. Baez also dismissed as a rumor the report that he is getting $700,000 in the future.
I asked ABC News if the deal was done with Casey Anthony.
The deal was done with an attorney representing several owners of copyrighted content, ABC News spokeswoman Cathie Levine said. That attorney is Baez, she added.
The deal was done in the summer of 2008. Casey Anthony was later charged with first-degree murder in the death of her daughter, Caylee.
ABC is owned by the Walt Disney Co., which counts children as its most important customers.
Yes’m. How about that?
Very important to review the wording of the ABC response..
B
“Is it too much to ask that they at least get an admonishment Strickland regarding this lack of detailed info at the indigent hearing today??? I’d like to apologize in advance for upsetting anyone that thinks Strickland is just soooo fair and all (yes, I do like and respect him) but IMO I hope he gets control of the courtroom especially since buffoon Mason is on board.”
> . . . . . . . . <
Sweet Jebus!!! YES, Strickland’s going to have to get a tight hold of that “HOT MESS” indeed. Can he? Will he?
Friend— I agree I was insulted that the Dream Team was so unprepared like they didnt Have to to because they are all Special. I could tell that Judge Strickland was mad but I was waiting for him to come down hard on everyone which he didnt. He should have. The whole dog and pony show (not to insult dogs or ponies) was disgusting. Caylee deserves better. Was just waiting for Casey to get out that old Snotrag. Lots of preening though—-and washing that “decomp” off her hands. I wanted so much to slap that smirk off her face—she was wanting to get giggly like her dear brother does.
Dee—you are sooo right it was worse than a school play. They ran out to their little meeting and came back with that mess. Too funny Lyon looking at ceiling for her “lines”. Embarassing. What idiots. Didnt get to hear most of it but that 5,000 donation just screamed out at me—George taking that River cruz.
Never Lose Hope Foundation
B
I’m convinced that Joy Wray has a role in the defense of this case, she’s in court right in camera view again today with her pink folder on her lap. She was poking around at a minimum, and this opens speculation.
She’s once again on the front page of WFTV’s Anthony story today, behind and to the left side by the door, as Cheney is shown standing up to speak. Last time she sat on the other side, today camera angle was perfect for where she sat.
http://www.wftv.com/index.html
No transactions as yet today, to show if anyone has picked up the ‘letters’, but they have been unsealed and also filed with the court and available to the media now.
03/18/2010 Order
Unsealing State of Florida’s in camera sealed motion to delay disclosure
03/18/2010 Court Minutes Motion for Determination of Indigency for Costs
03/18/2010 Notice of Appearance
03/18/2010 Notice of Provision of Supplemental Discovery
WHY!?!? really does she need Lyons and now this high tech defense attorney etc etc why does she need all these people if lyons is lead attorney how can biazz be lead attorney when he hasn’t tried a death penalty case…she know has the most high profile pro bono defense team seen to man..so how does justice for sweet caylee previal..i’m sorry i don’t follow many high profile cases..caylee just touched me very much and to think there will be no justice for caylee cuase all these attorney’s want recognizition..will the state now back out of the death penalty? will casey at least get LWOP? she seemed so happy today they all did with their smiles and happiness.